When it comes to getting the biggest bang for your buck in home improvements, kitchen renovations top the list. Kitchen renovations offer homeowners a fresh and desirable new look while increasing the value of their home. Countertops are a focal point of any kitchen and investing in upgraded countertops makes a lot of sense from a resale perspective.
At the center of upgrading your kitchen, the countertops that you choose will have a direct impact on the overall appearance. In fact, many of today’s kitchens feature showpiece kitchen countertops that dictate the design of a kitchen.
Countertop materials range all across the spectrum, but whatever you decide on for a material, it should be a reflection of your lifestyle and personality. Since trends come and go with everyone having their own style and tastes, it’s good to get some idea of the hottest trends that homeowners are installing.
Here are some comparisons of kitchen countertops to consider for your kitchen renovation:
Granite is still one of the top choices amongst homeowners for traditional countertop appeal. Since granite is a natural stone, it offers a high-end appearance that adds to your kitchen’s value and ideal for providing a durable preparation surface. Also, the variation in the stone’s pattern is common and adds to its appeal. Although the cost of granite and quartz are comparable, natural granite requires a bit more care to keep its good looks. Stains need to be wiped quickly, and unlike quartz, granite requires a regular sealing routine once a year to maintain its look.
Quartz is a favourite with homeowners because is it practically maintenance free and arguably the most durable option for kitchens. It is an engineered stone made from the hardest minerals with a blend of stone chips, resins, and pigments. It is designed to be stain, acid, scratch, heat and impact resistant because of its non-porous surface. Quartz competes with natural granite as one of the top choices for countertops by homeowners. Manufacturers have been steadily developing and manufacturing a variety of new patterns for this popular and versatile material.
For the homeowner who is looking for affordability, laminate is by far the most budget-friendly. Laminate is enjoying resurgence in popularity with its new patterns that resemble natural stone and quartz at a fraction of the cost. Today’s laminate can certainly stand up in the kitchen and comes in a variety of colours, patterns, textures, and style. It can closely mimic many of the natural materials, and best of all, there are many different edge treatments to choose among to eliminate the dreaded look of seams at the junctions.
Concrete continues to be a strong choice as a material that homeowners and designers are choosing as countertops; however, concrete, although beautiful and versatile, is repair-prone, especially when it comes to staining and chipping. A surface sealer is required for water and stain resistance. Concrete slabs will have seams too, but they can be minimized. On the positive side, the colour options are endless, which gives you the ability to effortlessly coordinate with the rest of the kitchen. It can be cast in any size and shape that fits your requirements.
For a warm, cottage kitchen look, wood has always been a favorite. It provides a warm, nostalgic and homey feeling. Wood is decorative, functional and ideal for food preparation. When wood countertops are properly sealed, they are very sanitary even when chopping meat. The trend for wood is now being represented in natural forms and textures rather than high-gloss or smooth finishes.
Beautiful countertops will always be a staple feature of any kitchen. With so many choices of materials from which you to select among, you’re sure to find just the right mix to make a dramatic statement in your kitchen.
The current darling of the design world, the gray-toned veining in Carrara or Calacatta marble isn’t just aesthetically pleasing, it also helps to disguise wear and hide light stains. With timeless appeal, this stone gives any kitchen a decidedly high-end look and, although the cost is comparable to some granites, marble is porous so staining can be a problem. Regular sealing and special care with anything acidic to prevent etching will keep the creamy surface looking its best.
Stainless steel lends a modern, industrial look to this stylish kitchen designed by Andreea Avram Rusu. The metal surface coordinates with any color and is one of the easiest countertop materials to clean — just wipe off stains with a cloth and mild soap. The most appealing characteristic of this material is its ability to inhibit bacterial buildup, making it the most hygienic countertop available.
Are you thinking of updating your Kitchen? Contact Trends Wood Finishing today. Located in Oakville Ontario, we can design, craft, and install cabinets to match any countertop you choose.
*Oakville / Burlington Ontario
